Andy Butler cautious over expectations after Scunthorpe's start to life back in the National League

The National League promotion race is shaping up to be another tight affair this season, both for that precious automatic spot at the top of the table and the play-off positions. 

Rochdale are currently top of the pile, with pre-season favourites like Carlisle United and Forest Green not far behind. 

Among the chasers, though, are also promoted sides Boreham Wood and Scunthorpe United, who are making a surprise bid this campaign and proving that there is enough quality in teams from the National League North and South to cope in the tier above. 



For Scunthorpe, it's another step on finding their way back after a dramatic fall from grace over the last decade or so. The Iron were a Championship club as recently as 2011, but years of woes both on and off the pitch had seen the club tumble down the football ladder. 

Yet, last season's play-off win has finally given fans hope of a new dawn for the club, and having lost only one of their first sixteen games, the club sit second in the table. 

Given the start and the profile of the former football club, their start has raised expectations in the town once again and speaking exclusively to DAZN News, boss Andy Butler has shared his delight with his team's form, but warned of caution at this early stage of the season. 

"I always knew if we could keep a core squad together, that would be okay," Butler states. 

"Whether people's expectations of us thought that we would be where we are now, I don't think they did, but I think there's a quiet belief in the group that if we knew if we do our jobs right, we'd be competitive -  I think we have been so far.

"No one's getting carried away, by the way, because I think we're only 15-16 games into the season, so there's another 31 games left.

"So, yeah, we're doing well so far, but again, no one gets carried away.

"We don't allow it, so we just focus on the next game and then move on straight away to what comes after." 

James Moody @SUFCOfficial

Making the step up 

Butler may veer on the side of cliché by controlling the expectations at such an early stage, but he admits he is learning game by game in what is his first time managing at this level. 

Already a legend as a player for Scunthorpe, back in those Football League heydays, Butler took on the job last season and achieved his immediate goal in getting the club promoted. 

Now he finds himself pitting his wits against an eclectic mix of coaches in the National League, including big names such as Robbie Savage and Mark Hughes, as well as experienced managers at this level. 

"Every single day is a learning curve for you, " he confesses. 

"You can see styles of managers , and you have to look back at certain things they did from times before, if they've only just come into the job.

"I think there have been eight changes of manager in this division already so far this season. So, it's madness, but it just shows the pressure that people are under. 

"I'm under no illusion and we've started really well, but, if five, six games don't go right, it could be me walking out that door with my tail between my legs.

"It's good to put yourself against other managers in this division, but I say to my group all the time, I back you against any squad in this division.

"If you get yourself prepared properly, which you do, the focus and the mentality are right, then we can back ourselves against anyone." 

He'll get a chance to prove that notion the next time Scunthrope are in National League action as they go head-to-head with the league leaders in a battle of the division's top two on Tuesday night. 

Butler, who faced Dale manager Jim McNulty several times during their playing days, has nothing but praise for his opposite number but is hoping for another eyebrow-raising result when the two clash next week. 

Adding, "They're on fire at the moment, aren't they? Jim's done a fantastic job there.

"Playing some really good football. They've got a very good striker in Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, who's scored a lot of goals so far.

"But I mean, we've been to most top teams at the moment now. I think we've played everyone bar Rochdale in the top 12.

"So, if we can prepare properly and we approach it right, we'll give ourselves the best shot.James Moody @SUFCOfficial

"I'd say everyone expects Rochdale to beat us, so it becomes a little bit like we're the underdogs and we go there, like a free hit, some may say. But I know internally that we don't say that. But from the outside, maybe. 

"Jim's done a great job at Rochdale. I've had a lot of battles with him over the years. So, yeah, looking forward to it."

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